CBS Anchor Tony Dokoupil Criticized for Controversial Crying Segment

New CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil is facing criticism after a controversial segment where he cried on air. During a broadcast in South Florida, Dokoupil became emotional while discussing his ties to the area, leading to widespread ridicule.

Crying Segment Sparks Controversy

As part of his “Live From America Tour,” Dokoupil struggled to maintain his composure while reflecting on his childhood in Miami. He stated, “Florida is where I grew up… and it’s where I would have spent all of my childhood, but we left because my father got in trouble with business.” His father, Tony Dokoupil Sr., was a drug dealer who eventually went to prison.

Dokoupil added, “The reason it’s so emotional for me is because I feel like I was robbed of the full Miami experience.” However, viewers reacted negatively, questioning the appropriateness of his on-air display of emotion.

Viewer Reactions

• Jared Holt from Open Measures criticized the segment, stating, “This ‘oh shucks’ schtick is exhausting.”
• David Sirota of The Lever compared Dokoupil’s actions to a scene from the film “Broadcast News,” highlighting the absurdity of the media industry.
• A veteran communication expert called for a return to serious reporting, stating, “If you want to make a magazine show, put this production under the CBS entertainment division.”
• Ben Meiselas of MeidasTouch bluntly advised, “Pull it together man.”

Background of Tony Dokoupil

Dokoupil’s connection to Miami is personal. His father’s drug empire funded the family’s lifestyle, allowing him to attend an expensive preparatory school. The family moved to Maryland when he was six, following his father’s legal troubles.

Later, Dokoupil wrote about his father in his memoir, “The Last Pirate: A Father, His Son, and the Golden Age of Marijuana.” This background adds a layer of complexity to his emotional revelations on air.

Shaky Start at CBS Evening News

Dokoupil’s inaugural week has been marred by several missteps. On his first night, he had difficulty reading from the teleprompter and seemed uncertain about his segment. This lack of confidence continued with awkward praise for Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which included an AI-generated segment portraying Rubio in unrealistic roles.

As Tony Dokoupil navigates his new role, it remains to be seen how he will overcome these early challenges in leading CBS Evening News.